Rapala DT (Dives-To) 6cm 17g

The DT's fixed centre of gravity and internal rattle capsule give it a stable, tight wobble from the first turn of the handle, and the Dives-To lip drives it down hard on the cast and retrieve. It tracks true under load and holds its running depth of around 3 m rather than climbing back toward the surface.

Suited to bass holding on deep points, humps, ledges or brush where a search bait needs to reach depth fast. It comes into its own through the warmer months when fish sit deeper on structure, and its long casting distance helps cover water quickly from the bank or a drifting boat.

Cast well past the target, then grind it down on a steady, moderate-to-fast retrieve until the lip ticks bottom or cover; a brief pause after contact often draws a reaction strike. Slowing the retrieve lets it hold a touch shallower in the water column.

Suits a 7' medium-heavy baitcasting rod with a 6.3:1 reel and 12–17 lb fluorocarbon; the balsa body absorbs enough shock that a slightly heavier leader around cover is no handicap.